Laporte, who is on the verge of a France international call-up, helped Athletic into the Champions League last season and has three years left on his contract.

Wenger is also monitoring Holland defenders Virgil van Dijk, of Celtic, and Ron Vlaar, of Aston Villa, but Laporte represents an intriguing alternative. The 21-year-old is most comfortable operating in the centre of defence but can also provide cover at left-back.